THE WATER RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT
STRATEGY
FOR THE EMIRATE
OF ABU DHABI
2014-2018

Based on the Emirate of Abu Dhabi 2030 agenda,

this strategy provides an update to Abu Dhabis
water master plan prepared in 2009 by the
Environment Agency -Abu Dhabi, in collaboration
with relevant stakeholders. The purpose of this
strategy is to reduce the pressure on water sources
in the Emirate, to improve the standard of living,
and to promote economic growth.
Abu Dhabi realizes the importance of its water
resources and promoting rational consumption
of water for the welfare of future generations.
The strategy aims to progress towards an efficient
management and conservation of the three water
sources; desalinated water, groundwater, and
recycled water.

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United Arab Emirates

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02

WHAT IS THE WATER STRATEGY

FOR THE EMIRATE OF ABU DHABI?
In line with Abu Dhabis Emirate Plan being led by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and the UAE
Vision 2021, the water strategy provides a five year roadmap for the efficient management and
conservation of water resources in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Overarching
Goals of the
Water Resources
Management
Strategy for the
Emirate of
Abu Dhabi
(2014-2018)

Provide overall direction to the water sector in terms of guiding

principles, expected outcomes, targets and initiatives
Provide guidance to help shape each entitys individual strategies
and action plans so that there is a better alignment, coordination,
and complementarity
Provide a benchmark to monitor and evaluate the performance
of whole of government water strategies
Inform all stakeholders from the public and private sector so that
the efficient management and conservation of water resources is
incorporated as a cross-cutting priority when planning, producing,
transmitting, distributing and using water in Abu Dhabi

The strategy is structured to respond to the key questions of where we are today, where we
want to be in 2018, and what we will do to get there.

Overarching
Goals of the
Water Resources
Management
Strategy for the
Emirate of Abu
)Dhabi (2014-2018

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05

WHO WAS INVOLVED IN

DEVELOPING THE WATER STRATEGY
FOR THE EMIRATE OF ABU DHABI
The development of this strategy is a result of directions set by Higher Committee for Water and
Agriculture Strategies in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Key entities have been engaged in this exercise
including government entities involved in policy-setting, regulation, enforcement and operations
affecting water in the Emirate.
LEAD ENTITIES FOR WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN ABU DHABI

Higher
Committee
for Water and
Agriculture
Strategies in
the Emirate of
Abu Dhabi

Agriculture

Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA)

Wastewater

Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC)

Desalinated Water

Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA)

Industry

Department of Economic Development (DED)

Amenities

Department of Municipal Affairs and the Municipalities of Abu Dhabi,

Al Ain, and Al Gharbiah

Groundwater & Forestry

Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD)

Utilities

Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB)

Buildings and land use planning

Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC)

STRATEGY
PRIORITIES
Over the last decades, water demand in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has increased rapidly. The main
driving forces have been population growth, economic development and changes in lifestyle that
have increased the demand for water for irrigation, human consumption or industrial processes.
Currently, agriculture is the largest consumer of water in the Emirate followed by residential
uses. Forecasts show that the demand for desalinated is expected to almost double by 2030. The
increase in water demand will put a strain in the already scarce natural resources of the Emirate.
Ensuring economic diversification whilst reducing the water intensity of commercial and industrial
activities, and improving indoor and outdoor water efficiency of the built environment will continue
being an overriding consideration for economic and social wellbeing of the Emirate.

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07

In order to understand What needs to be done to achieve this future desired state, Abu
Dhabi Environment Vision 2030 proposes the following priority area: Efficient management and
conservation of water resources.
ABU DHABI ENVIRONMENT VISION 2030
ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES, OUTCOMES AND TARGETS
Priority
Area

Priority
Integrated and
Efficient Use of
Water Resources

Efficient
management
and
conservation
of water
resources

Outcome
Moderated average
domestic indoor
and outdoor water
consumption
Maximised use of
recycled water

Sustainable
Management of
Groundwater
Resources

Sustainable groundwater reserves

Increases in salinity in groundwater

reserves within
acceptable limits

Baseline
2010

Target
2018

Target
2030

Domestic Water
Consumption in
L/capita/day

614

450

<340

% of Total
Recycled Water
Consumed

51%

100%

100%

<55

65

>74

NA

TBD

TBD

Measure

Effective Years
Remaining
in Usable
Groundwater
Reserves
Average salinity
of abstracted
groundwater

In order to understand How to achieve the future desired state are articulated around eight
sectors: Energy and utilities; Building and infrastructure; Industrial sectors; Transportation;
Agriculture, Livestock and fisheries; Public realm, amenities and forestry; Environment sector;
Waste management. The sector specific priorities, outcomes and targets to be achieved by 2030
are shown below, as well as the interim targets to be achieved by 2018 proposed by the entities
consulted for this strategy.

1
Initially this imperative referred only to optimise groundwater use as stated in Abu Dhabi Environment Vision 2030. At the request
of several stakeholders its scope is now wider including the imperative to optimise water use in agriculture, whether groundwater,
desalinated or recycled water. The baseline and the targets for 2018 and 2030 will be expanded to include the three types of water
as soon as the data about groundwater consumption is reviewed by EAD and ADFCA and validated by SCAD.

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WHAT WILL WE DO
TO ACHIEVE TARGETS?
OVERVIEW OF ABU DHABIS WATER MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Initiatives that contribute to
a. Minimise the impact of water production,
transmission and distribution on climate,
air soil and marine water quality

b. Ensure efficient indoor and outdoor

consumption of all types of water by all
sectors: buildings, industries, agriculture,
amenities and forestry

All Sectors - Production, Transmission, Distribution and Consumption

1. Integrate the management of the three water resources
Utilities - Production

Buildings - Consumption

2. Adopt innovative clean solutions for water

production in light of energy plans

8. Ensure high indoor and outdoor water

efficiency in built environment

Utilities - Transmission and Distribution

3. Minimise water losses from desalinated water
networks
4. Minimise discharges from recycled water
practices

Utilities Production, Transmission and

Distribution

Industries - Consumption
9. Encourage the establishment of water-efficient
industries

Agriculture - Consumption

5. Limit the impact of desalination and recycled

water practices on marine and terrestrial
ecosystems

10. Optimise water use, including groundwater,

desalinated water and recycled water, for
agriculture while ensuring food security
11. Minimise groundwater salinization and
pollution attributed to agriculture

Utilities - Consumption
6. Ensure proper demand side management

Amenities - Consumption
12. Develop low water requirements
amenities sector

Environment Conservation and Use

7. Explore innovative solutions for
groundwater conservation and use

Forestry - Consumption
13. Develop low water requirements
forestry sector